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The Seasons #1
A Bright Summer
After years of defying her family’s expectations with a whirlwind of parties and rebellion, Elissa Black is forced to take her place within her family’s business empire. But returning means more than just assuming a role in the company - it means falling into a trap laid by her manipulative father, a trap woven with secrets and deceit.
Enter Brandt Collins, the self-made billionaire and prospective business partner with an agenda of his own. His investment in Black & Wells Publishing and Press comes with a non-negotiable condition: a marriage to Elissa. For Brandt, this alliance is more than a business maneuver, but he treads a path fraught with danger. If Elissa discovers the truth behind the deal, he risks losing everything.
‘A Bright Summer: A Contemporary Office Billionaire Romance’ is a scorching hot beginning to Kate Smoak’s Seasons Series. Can Brandt capture Elissa’s heart against all odds, and before she finds out about his deal with her father? Or will their fiery passion burn to into mere ashes?
Enter Brandt Collins, the self-made billionaire and prospective business partner with an agenda of his own. His investment in Black & Wells Publishing and Press comes with a non-negotiable condition: a marriage to Elissa. For Brandt, this alliance is more than a business maneuver, but he treads a path fraught with danger. If Elissa discovers the truth behind the deal, he risks losing everything.
‘A Bright Summer: A Contemporary Office Billionaire Romance’ is a scorching hot beginning to Kate Smoak’s Seasons Series. Can Brandt capture Elissa’s heart against all odds, and before she finds out about his deal with her father? Or will their fiery passion burn to into mere ashes?
- GenresRomance
284 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 28, 2024
Excellent debut novel! These characters are phenomenal! The storyline and spice… exquisite. I want to see this in a Netflix series or a movie! This Spicy romance will leave you breathless, wishing we all could experience what Brandt and Elissa have! Their energy and attraction are off the charts and you know what the means?! The more you try to stay away the harder it becomes and you don’t realize you’re spending more time with them! These two definitely didn’t realize it was happening, I loved it! Elissa is strong willed, free spirited, stubborn and dealing with so much emotional baggage. Brandt is charming, handsome, successful and only wants Elissa. He’s worked so hard to be in this situation. Elissa finds it difficult for her to build, connect and make lasting relationships from the trauma she’s endured all her life… it leaves you rooting for her to find love and to acknowledge she’s worth it! Oh she has the best Best Friend! I kept thinking about this book even after I finished it! I cannot wait for “A Black Winter”!!
October 25, 2023
Okay to start off I liked the premis of this book, a bit of an arranged marriage, some love from a far/pining etc, but unfortunately I don't think I found what I was looking for with this. I do think the book has a lot of potential especially if some things were moved around a bit but I also wish the description stated that this couple's story goes over multiple books.
Things that didnt work for me:
Brant seeming to be obsessed with Elissa for 8 years, kind of stalking heron social and getting off on pictures or memories of her for the first half of the book. I think this would have worked in a dark romance in in this it felt a little creepy.
How her dad calls all the shots of the agreement even though he is the one that needs the investment deal and to tame his daughter. Brant seemes to have no choice in any of the conditions even tho he could easily walk away from investing.
It's written in 1st person but writing style feels like 3rd person sometimes. For example Brant is sat at a table and says he stands up gracefully, that is more how you would describe someone standing, but not yourself. There's also a lot of detailed descriptions of people's appearance in a similar fashion.
A lot of Elissa and Brant getting close and building a bit of a relationship happened off page, I wish more of that was shown.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a honest review.
Things that didnt work for me:
Brant seeming to be obsessed with Elissa for 8 years, kind of stalking heron social and getting off on pictures or memories of her for the first half of the book. I think this would have worked in a dark romance in in this it felt a little creepy.
How her dad calls all the shots of the agreement even though he is the one that needs the investment deal and to tame his daughter. Brant seemes to have no choice in any of the conditions even tho he could easily walk away from investing.
It's written in 1st person but writing style feels like 3rd person sometimes. For example Brant is sat at a table and says he stands up gracefully, that is more how you would describe someone standing, but not yourself. There's also a lot of detailed descriptions of people's appearance in a similar fashion.
A lot of Elissa and Brant getting close and building a bit of a relationship happened off page, I wish more of that was shown.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a honest review.
March 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book.Loved reading from the multiple point of views from the different characters, it's always nice to read from multiple point of views and its executed nicely in this book.
The romance and chemistry is off the charts and keeps the reader engaged and wanting more with every page they turn. I could not put this book down once I started it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The romance and chemistry is off the charts and keeps the reader engaged and wanting more with every page they turn. I could not put this book down once I started it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2023
This is definitely my jam, with a headstrong FMC & and obsessed MC, it brought to life a plot between an obsessed self made billionaire & a very strong willed commitment phobe, constantly at the will they won’t they battle.
I must say, Brandt, has way more patience than I do, but it was totally worth the wait.
Elissa - tbh I adore her & the way she carried herself.
The deal bringing him closer, was a cherry on top, because I wasn’t expecting it.
If you’re okay with slow burns, and relationships that grow through out multiple books, an office romance, dual pov, he falls first / hard, but is also a romantic at heart (side note he has a bit of a red flag going for him 😉)then this is definitely a book you should be reading.
Overall on the story I’d give it a 4,5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I received an arc from the author and I’m leaving an honest and voluntary review.
I must say, Brandt, has way more patience than I do, but it was totally worth the wait.
Elissa - tbh I adore her & the way she carried herself.
The deal bringing him closer, was a cherry on top, because I wasn’t expecting it.
If you’re okay with slow burns, and relationships that grow through out multiple books, an office romance, dual pov, he falls first / hard, but is also a romantic at heart (side note he has a bit of a red flag going for him 😉)then this is definitely a book you should be reading.
Overall on the story I’d give it a 4,5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I received an arc from the author and I’m leaving an honest and voluntary review.
February 2, 2024
My jaw is on the floor, how is this a debut book? It’s so good, I wished it was longer.
I’m a sucker for arranged marriages, yet this one is completely different and it definitely has me intrigued.
Brandt is a sucker for Elissa, who for him is his hs sweetheart. The only woman he has ever felt any type of feeling for. And when the opportunity for him to work aside Elissa’s father arrives of course he takes it regardless of the conditions and consequences that arise.
Elissa, a just freshly college graduate who is forced to work at her father’s company. Who has never been able to make a decision over her life on her own, she severely needs therapy for her traumas but instead refuges on sleeping with men casually. Never wanting anything serious or any form of commitments. She learns how to live her life within the egg shells of her parents, who continue to hold this picture of the perfect life.
But will Brandt be the one who changes Elissa’s thoughts on relationships?
There is spicy scenes within the book, for those who like clean books this one may not be for you.
Spice scale 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The cliffhanger at the end, I’m sobbing.. give me the next book right now. I need more Brandt, he definitely deserves the world. I really enjoyed Riley’s pov as well, her pov helped understand Brandt’s and Elissa’s relationship from a 3rd pov and made it feel more realistic. Everyone needs friends like Rhy and Riley. Can they please have their own book?!
I’m a sucker for arranged marriages, yet this one is completely different and it definitely has me intrigued.
Brandt is a sucker for Elissa, who for him is his hs sweetheart. The only woman he has ever felt any type of feeling for. And when the opportunity for him to work aside Elissa’s father arrives of course he takes it regardless of the conditions and consequences that arise.
Elissa, a just freshly college graduate who is forced to work at her father’s company. Who has never been able to make a decision over her life on her own, she severely needs therapy for her traumas but instead refuges on sleeping with men casually. Never wanting anything serious or any form of commitments. She learns how to live her life within the egg shells of her parents, who continue to hold this picture of the perfect life.
But will Brandt be the one who changes Elissa’s thoughts on relationships?
There is spicy scenes within the book, for those who like clean books this one may not be for you.
Spice scale 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The cliffhanger at the end, I’m sobbing.. give me the next book right now. I need more Brandt, he definitely deserves the world. I really enjoyed Riley’s pov as well, her pov helped understand Brandt’s and Elissa’s relationship from a 3rd pov and made it feel more realistic. Everyone needs friends like Rhy and Riley. Can they please have their own book?!
November 6, 2023
I want to start by saying I simply can not believe this is your debut novel . You blew this release out of the water! From the moment I started this book it was hard to put down and on my mind threwout the day. Brandts character is so easy to fall in love with and so likeable, as are many of the other charecters in the book. Elissa’s struggles are so relatable and real . As someone who was born and raised not far from Toronto Ontario myself i loved the reference to so many Ontario places and cities . Warning: this book ends on a cliff hanger and you will not be okay 😂🤣
March 16, 2024
A Bright Summer - Kate Smoak
I'm going to start by saying WOW! This is such a good book for a debut novel.
It is a slow burn and Kate let's you know at the beginning of the book that the HEA develops over the series.
Elissa is a strong woman who is forced to work for her family's company. Brandt is a self-made billionaire who invests in Elissa's family business, with one condition. She marries him.
This book is full of spice, and has you hooked from the very first page. The characters are loveable and have you chasing their will they, won't they storyline.
What to expect - Office Romance, Arranged Marriage, Dual PoV, Billionaire, He Falls First.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Disclaimer - I received a free copy of the book in return for my honest review.
I'm going to start by saying WOW! This is such a good book for a debut novel.
It is a slow burn and Kate let's you know at the beginning of the book that the HEA develops over the series.
Elissa is a strong woman who is forced to work for her family's company. Brandt is a self-made billionaire who invests in Elissa's family business, with one condition. She marries him.
This book is full of spice, and has you hooked from the very first page. The characters are loveable and have you chasing their will they, won't they storyline.
What to expect - Office Romance, Arranged Marriage, Dual PoV, Billionaire, He Falls First.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Disclaimer - I received a free copy of the book in return for my honest review.
October 18, 2023
A Bright summer is a debut novel by Kate Smoak.
I was hooked from the very first page. The main characters will they won't they chemistry had me guessing through the novel and I kept reading until the end. The story was easy to follow and the spice level was off the charts. A truly brilliant novel that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more by the author.
💓 Thank you to vorious readers only and the author, Kate Smoak for my ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked from the very first page. The main characters will they won't they chemistry had me guessing through the novel and I kept reading until the end. The story was easy to follow and the spice level was off the charts. A truly brilliant novel that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more by the author.
💓 Thank you to vorious readers only and the author, Kate Smoak for my ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2024
This was an awesome story, that had two awesome characters who were both relatable in their own ways
April 4, 2024
This book was such a refreshing change of pace from the whole of fantasy that I have been inhabiting for so long.
This novel begins with hints at the past, while truly starting as Elissa graduates college and begins work at her father’s publishing company. Per her father’s direction, she is to co-head up a new digital media devision to show she is capable of taking over the company. Little does she know of her father’s plans for her, her new co-head, and the company as a whole.
Brandt arrives as a guest at Elissa’s graduation, as a brief introduction to his new digital media partner. But is this the first time they’ve met? Will connections to the past prove to be binding or overwhelming?
This book had me from the beginning and now I cannot wait to see where the next book leads me!
This novel begins with hints at the past, while truly starting as Elissa graduates college and begins work at her father’s publishing company. Per her father’s direction, she is to co-head up a new digital media devision to show she is capable of taking over the company. Little does she know of her father’s plans for her, her new co-head, and the company as a whole.
Brandt arrives as a guest at Elissa’s graduation, as a brief introduction to his new digital media partner. But is this the first time they’ve met? Will connections to the past prove to be binding or overwhelming?
This book had me from the beginning and now I cannot wait to see where the next book leads me!
March 6, 2024
I liked the premise of this story, however I felt like nothing really happened in book 1? Don’t get me wrong, I love a book with spice, but I wish there was more focus on plot.
There was a few times in the book where there would be a jump in timeline, and Brandt or Elissa would say something along the lines of “we are getting along great!”…I wish there would have been more of getting to see how their relationship played out and how they got to Elissa not being interested in Brandt to her developing feelings for him.
Looking forward to seeing how book 2 plays out after that cliffhanger!
There was a few times in the book where there would be a jump in timeline, and Brandt or Elissa would say something along the lines of “we are getting along great!”…I wish there would have been more of getting to see how their relationship played out and how they got to Elissa not being interested in Brandt to her developing feelings for him.
Looking forward to seeing how book 2 plays out after that cliffhanger!
October 20, 2023
Damn. Just, damn.
This book is SO good. I love Elissa and Brandt and I like that we get little glimpses into Riley’s life too.
It was so fun to read and the spice was perfection.
My only beef with this book is that I have to wait for more. Please hurry!
p.s. shoutout to Kate Smoak being from Ontario and representing us well! It’s fun to read something that takes closer to home.
I received a free advanced copy of this book. Thoughts are my own.
This book is SO good. I love Elissa and Brandt and I like that we get little glimpses into Riley’s life too.
It was so fun to read and the spice was perfection.
My only beef with this book is that I have to wait for more. Please hurry!
p.s. shoutout to Kate Smoak being from Ontario and representing us well! It’s fun to read something that takes closer to home.
I received a free advanced copy of this book. Thoughts are my own.
November 6, 2023
Excellent debut novel! These characters are phenomenal! The storyline and spice… exquisite. I want to see this in a Netflix series or a movie! This Spicy romance will leave you breathless, wishing we all could experience what Brandt and Elissa have! Their energy and attraction are off the charts and you know what the means?! The more you try to stay away the harder it becomes and you don’t realize you’re spending more time with them! These two definitely didn’t realize it was happening, I loved it! Elissa is strong willed, free spirited, stubborn and dealing with so much emotional baggage. Brandt is charming, handsome, successful and only wants Elissa. He’s worked so hard to be in this situation. Elissa finds it difficult for her to build, connect and make lasting relationships from the trauma she’s endured all her life… it leaves you rooting for her to find love and to acknowledge she’s worth it! Oh she has the best Best Friend! I kept thinking about this book even after I finished it! I cannot wait for “A Black Winter”!!
March 18, 2024
This book is charming and sweet. The characters are well done and very relatable. The storyline flows nicely and is an easy read. I was sad to finish it but happy to know the second in the series was already released (which I instantly read) As long as Kate keeps writing I will gladly keep reading her books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2024
Let’s talk about this book, it definitely wasn’t bad. There were aspects i definitely enjoyed but some i didn’t.
My one saving grace for this book were the side characters, I love Riley and Rhys so much. They are an adorable match and their snippets just made it perfect for me😍. The plot in general was good, i liked the premise and this seems like something I would usually pick up at a bookstore. A marriage of convenience/ workplace romance is right up my alley. The business side of the book was portrayed really well and i enjoyed it. And Elissa at the beginning really intrigued me, her party girl persona was something else. She lost her flair a little after she started working for her dad. However, I could not get behind the writing style and structure. Firstly, a 4 book series is too extensive for me, pretty much no characters can entertain me that much in a solely romance novel. The cliff hanger was quite interesting though and I am feeling an inkling to read the next one. Also, the characters were just slightly insufferable. Elissa was acting like every single woman who ever spoke to Brandt wanted him, whether it’s his assistant, a waitress, a bartender or just a random girl he was talking too. It became slightly annoying in the way she was painting out these women as something they probably weren’t.
Lastly, this might just be me but there was too much sex. It felt repetitive as the scenes weren’t fully plotted out but just 2 pages at the end of almost every chapter. This is nice for some but I was bored and found myself skipping these scenes.
All in all, I would recommend but to a very specific audience, which isn’t necessarily me.
My one saving grace for this book were the side characters, I love Riley and Rhys so much. They are an adorable match and their snippets just made it perfect for me😍. The plot in general was good, i liked the premise and this seems like something I would usually pick up at a bookstore. A marriage of convenience/ workplace romance is right up my alley. The business side of the book was portrayed really well and i enjoyed it. And Elissa at the beginning really intrigued me, her party girl persona was something else. She lost her flair a little after she started working for her dad. However, I could not get behind the writing style and structure. Firstly, a 4 book series is too extensive for me, pretty much no characters can entertain me that much in a solely romance novel. The cliff hanger was quite interesting though and I am feeling an inkling to read the next one. Also, the characters were just slightly insufferable. Elissa was acting like every single woman who ever spoke to Brandt wanted him, whether it’s his assistant, a waitress, a bartender or just a random girl he was talking too. It became slightly annoying in the way she was painting out these women as something they probably weren’t.
Lastly, this might just be me but there was too much sex. It felt repetitive as the scenes weren’t fully plotted out but just 2 pages at the end of almost every chapter. This is nice for some but I was bored and found myself skipping these scenes.
All in all, I would recommend but to a very specific audience, which isn’t necessarily me.
November 9, 2023
If you're a fan of spicy romance with a dash of nostalgia for the wild days you once had (or maybe still do! zero judgment here), this might just be your next guilty pleasure read. This book takes you on a thrilling journey through the tumultuous world of young love, sprinkled with steamy encounters and emotional twists.
The narrative is a fun and lighthearted exploration of the protagonist's romantic escapades, providing an easy read that's perfect for a lazy weekend or a beach day. The vivid descriptions and relatable characters make it easy to immerse yourself in the story, almost like reliving your own past.
The cliffhanger ending successfully piques the reader's interest, leaving them with a burning desire to know the fates of their favorite characters. It's a clever way to set the stage for future books in the series, and readers will find themselves eagerly awaiting the next installment.
The narrative is a fun and lighthearted exploration of the protagonist's romantic escapades, providing an easy read that's perfect for a lazy weekend or a beach day. The vivid descriptions and relatable characters make it easy to immerse yourself in the story, almost like reliving your own past.
The cliffhanger ending successfully piques the reader's interest, leaving them with a burning desire to know the fates of their favorite characters. It's a clever way to set the stage for future books in the series, and readers will find themselves eagerly awaiting the next installment.
November 5, 2023
I received an ecopy of this book and I’m volunteering my honest review.
A Bright Summer is the Debut novel by Kate Smoak.
Which has all the spice, dual POV, Playgirl vibes, Billionaires, office romance, he falls first and hard. Also a strong FMC.
I loved the idea of a extremely educated, headstrong FMC. Elissa had me by the heartstrings all the way through the storyline.
Brandt came across a bit stalker ish in some places throughout the book. However the chemistry between them is 100% undeniable. There is soo many will they, won’t they moments with a little encouragement and a gentle push from friends :)
I found the story quick and easy to get stuck into and it flowed nicely.
I would definitely recommend and looking forward to more from Kate Smoak.
A Bright Summer is the Debut novel by Kate Smoak.
Which has all the spice, dual POV, Playgirl vibes, Billionaires, office romance, he falls first and hard. Also a strong FMC.
I loved the idea of a extremely educated, headstrong FMC. Elissa had me by the heartstrings all the way through the storyline.
Brandt came across a bit stalker ish in some places throughout the book. However the chemistry between them is 100% undeniable. There is soo many will they, won’t they moments with a little encouragement and a gentle push from friends :)
I found the story quick and easy to get stuck into and it flowed nicely.
I would definitely recommend and looking forward to more from Kate Smoak.
November 6, 2023
This storyline is really interesting, so much angst ,PTSD and steamy emotions.
The parental emotional abuse left the scars and I’m not sure how she will dig herself out this hole.
Rebellious strikes goes beyond alcohol and one night stands.
I’m hoping that next book comes soon as I want to know…
Big highlights for me was travelling to the places I know,
this includes cursed 401i used every day.
Thank you for that, too.
I received a free copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The parental emotional abuse left the scars and I’m not sure how she will dig herself out this hole.
Rebellious strikes goes beyond alcohol and one night stands.
I’m hoping that next book comes soon as I want to know…
Big highlights for me was travelling to the places I know,
this includes cursed 401i used every day.
Thank you for that, too.
I received a free copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2023
First of all, thank you so much Kate for giving me an ARC of this book, it was absolutely phenomenal!🤩 Although, that ending has me absolutely gobsmacked!!! I don’t deal well with cliffhangers and I need book 2 immediately 🤣
Brandt and Elissa ahhh I just love them so much and now I’m so confused and ahh I just don’t even know how to describe their whole situation!😅😩💗
This book was absolutely amazing, I loved it from start to finish, the characters, the plot and the drama! It was just such a great book and I highly recommend getting your hands on it asap! You are missing out! 🤩
Brandt and Elissa ahhh I just love them so much and now I’m so confused and ahh I just don’t even know how to describe their whole situation!😅😩💗
This book was absolutely amazing, I loved it from start to finish, the characters, the plot and the drama! It was just such a great book and I highly recommend getting your hands on it asap! You are missing out! 🤩
October 27, 2023
i loved this debut novel by kate! i am so excited to read more about these characters, i’m not usually a fan of books when i know there is going to be a cliffhanger, but this one had me hooked.
elissa and brandt’s back and forth relationship had me on the edge of my seat. the glimpses into riley’s life were really refreshing, and the end had me clutching my chest ITCHING for me!
great debut! so ready for the rest of this series!
elissa and brandt’s back and forth relationship had me on the edge of my seat. the glimpses into riley’s life were really refreshing, and the end had me clutching my chest ITCHING for me!
great debut! so ready for the rest of this series!
October 24, 2023
As with most books the intro to the world, setting and background always takes a minute. With this book I was enthralled from the beginning! There’s great background, some steamy romance and some twists and turns that only the readers know. The way it ended has me waiting in anticipation to read the next book! All over great read and will definitely read the next book!
November 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel by Kate Smoak. Elissa is a captivating character dealing with her own issues. Along comes Brandt who actually remembers her from school but is now finally getting to spend time with Elissa all be it via her father and his business.
A great read with a not quite happy ending. Bring on book 2.
A great read with a not quite happy ending. Bring on book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
An amazing debut novel. From the moment I read the blurb I really wanted to read this book. With the strong FMC who fears commitment and MMC who has silently loved her from afar this book has beautifully shown their character and relationship development.
I would definitely recommend this book to the readers.
I would definitely recommend this book to the readers.
December 15, 2023
Good read hard to put down but darn cliffhanger ending ugh
June 26, 2024
OMG. Absolutely amazing. I wish it never ended. The tension and the feelings that were there and even hidden were perfect. If I didn't love books I would throw it and scream because of the ending. One of the best books I've ever read.
March 10, 2024
I love Brandt, he’s the quiet type but knows what he wants and will go after it. My heart longs for him to be happy and get what he wants and deserves.
Elissa is a fierce FMC but she has her guard up and I want it to be knocked down SO BAD. She’s smart and goal driven, even if it’s to gain her parents approval. Ugh her parents ESP her dad, I could punch him in the face and feel zero remorse.
Kate I’m going to need A Black Winter, like tomorrow. I cannot wait to see what happens, so email me okay? 😂😂😂 Yall run and grab this when it releases you will NOT be disappointed. Spicy, guarded FMC, loving MMC, & the best of friends they could ask for. It DOES end on a cliffhanger & im normally upset when this happens but I was sucked in and will spiral until I get Book 2 & not ashamed of it. 😆
Elissa is a fierce FMC but she has her guard up and I want it to be knocked down SO BAD. She’s smart and goal driven, even if it’s to gain her parents approval. Ugh her parents ESP her dad, I could punch him in the face and feel zero remorse.
Kate I’m going to need A Black Winter, like tomorrow. I cannot wait to see what happens, so email me okay? 😂😂😂 Yall run and grab this when it releases you will NOT be disappointed. Spicy, guarded FMC, loving MMC, & the best of friends they could ask for. It DOES end on a cliffhanger & im normally upset when this happens but I was sucked in and will spiral until I get Book 2 & not ashamed of it. 😆
March 10, 2024
I was given two days ago A Bright Summer and devoured it! I can’t wait to jump into the second one, A Black Winter which is out now. Both of which are currently on Kindle Unlimited, score!
I fell for the MMC Brandt, who gives major cinnamon roll vibes, but can be strong when he needs to. Our FMC is Elissa, an heiress with a demanding family who is being forced to enter her families business and falls to her father’s plots. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next and how the characters can work through their problems and become stronger.
I fell for the MMC Brandt, who gives major cinnamon roll vibes, but can be strong when he needs to. Our FMC is Elissa, an heiress with a demanding family who is being forced to enter her families business and falls to her father’s plots. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next and how the characters can work through their problems and become stronger.
February 14, 2024
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Swoon 🫦🫦🫦
LMAO 🤣🤣
Banter 😉😉😉
Billionaire Romance / Arranged Marriage / Cliffhanger
This is book one of four where the HEA develops throughout the story. Elissa is expected to join her father’s firm after graduating college but he has no confidence in her abilities even thought she graduated with top honors and two majors. Brandt has been contracted to help develop a new division with Elissa’s father’s company but with a condition. He will leave the company’s controlling interest to Brandt if he marries Elissa.
Elissa is one bad ass and won’t take crap from anyone, including her dysfunctional parents. Brandt has been pining for her since high school when he witnessed her help another student that was being bullied.
I was gifted this book for an honest review and I am panting with excitement to get the next installment.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Swoon 🫦🫦🫦
LMAO 🤣🤣
Banter 😉😉😉
Billionaire Romance / Arranged Marriage / Cliffhanger
This is book one of four where the HEA develops throughout the story. Elissa is expected to join her father’s firm after graduating college but he has no confidence in her abilities even thought she graduated with top honors and two majors. Brandt has been contracted to help develop a new division with Elissa’s father’s company but with a condition. He will leave the company’s controlling interest to Brandt if he marries Elissa.
Elissa is one bad ass and won’t take crap from anyone, including her dysfunctional parents. Brandt has been pining for her since high school when he witnessed her help another student that was being bullied.
I was gifted this book for an honest review and I am panting with excitement to get the next installment.
May 28, 2024
I read this book front to back in one sitting, and I wish the second book were out because I’m ready to devour that one, too! (Warning: this one ends on a cliffhanger.)
This book made me want to go to a club for the first time in a longggggg time! The book started out sexy right off the bat and I love an FMC who unapologetically loves sex! I also loved the main characters’ banter and how they don’t let miscommunication get in their way.
The spicy scenes are soooo good, and the sexual tension builds perfectly and keeps the pace up the whole time. Their tension gave me butterflies!
I also really liked how the POVs’ timelines overlapped— more books should do that!
And that ending! That was the moment I truly felt emotionally connected to the characters. I need the next book now!
My hopes for the next book are for Brandt to stop idolizing her perfection so much and see her for her faults, too. For them to get deeper with each other— and show more of their relationship-building on-page. And, of course, more hot sex.
A few little things I didn’t like as much: the listing of the songs playing along with their artists distracted me from the story each time it happened. Also, Brandt seemed creepy and obsessive in the beginning but that was called out in a funny way and that sense quickly dissipated as the story continued. A couple times the character would seem to address the reader (I think it only happened once each for Brandt and Elissa, though) and that took me out of it a bit, too. Last thing is probably just a personal pet peeve, but talking about how perky her boobs are so she doesn’t need a bra makes me feel weird— probably bc even if someone’s boobs aren’t perky the don’t need to wear a bra if they don’t want to or dress in any particular way.
ANYWAY, overall I really enjoyed this!
This book made me want to go to a club for the first time in a longggggg time! The book started out sexy right off the bat and I love an FMC who unapologetically loves sex! I also loved the main characters’ banter and how they don’t let miscommunication get in their way.
The spicy scenes are soooo good, and the sexual tension builds perfectly and keeps the pace up the whole time. Their tension gave me butterflies!
I also really liked how the POVs’ timelines overlapped— more books should do that!
And that ending! That was the moment I truly felt emotionally connected to the characters. I need the next book now!
My hopes for the next book are for Brandt to stop idolizing her perfection so much and see her for her faults, too. For them to get deeper with each other— and show more of their relationship-building on-page. And, of course, more hot sex.
A few little things I didn’t like as much: the listing of the songs playing along with their artists distracted me from the story each time it happened. Also, Brandt seemed creepy and obsessive in the beginning but that was called out in a funny way and that sense quickly dissipated as the story continued. A couple times the character would seem to address the reader (I think it only happened once each for Brandt and Elissa, though) and that took me out of it a bit, too. Last thing is probably just a personal pet peeve, but talking about how perky her boobs are so she doesn’t need a bra makes me feel weird— probably bc even if someone’s boobs aren’t perky the don’t need to wear a bra if they don’t want to or dress in any particular way.
ANYWAY, overall I really enjoyed this!
November 4, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book, thank you to Kate for a copy. This is definitely impressive for a debut and I appreciated the triple POV at times. It was a nice touch to get the best friend of Elissa’s insight. In fact, I liked hearing about all the characters and how they were included. Elissa has had a horrible childhood, with the way her parents have treated her. Brandt has been in love with her for years and when the two finally connect, you can see the sparks fly instantly. I am intrigued, especially as the book ended on a cliffhanger! The book was written well, tearing hard at your emotions etc.
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